Def Leppard - Diamond Star Halos

by Nick Dent-Robinson

published: 21 / 6 / 2022

Label: UMC
Format: CD

intro

Enjoyable first album in seven years from Sheffield-formed hard rock act Def Leppard who on his new record play to their strengths

Def Leppard enjoyed huge commercial success in the past - though, as their singer Joe Elliott has often complained, they were never seen as quite as fashionable or cool as some of their more alternative-minded peers. But the Sheffield quintet certainly know how to play to their strengths - and 'Diamond Star Halos', their first new album for seven years, is a hard-rocking record! Named after a line in T. Rex's glam classic 'Get It On', the new release contains throwbacks to 1970s idols Marc Bolan, Mott The Hoople and David Bowie. 'Take What You Want' is a powerful, riff-heavy, tuneful track whilst the stomping 'Kick' is a magnificent late addition to the running order. Joe Elliott's admiration of Bowie extends to two ballads featuring Mike Garson, the brilliant New York jazz pianist whose avant-garde runs were prominent on Bowie's “Aladdin Sane”. Krauss and Elliott may initially seem a strange mix of voices - but Krauss has worked with Robert Plant in the past plus Def Leppard have also played a full show with Taylor Swift - so sometimes unexpected combinations can work really well. Who knows, with Alison Krauss and Mike Garson on side, Def Leppard might soon be considered as cool, after all!

Track Listing:-

1 Take What You Want
2 Kick
3 Fire It Up
4 This Guitar (featuring Alison Krauss)
5 SOS Emergency
6 Liquid Dust
7 U Rok Mi
8 Goodbye For Good
9 All We Need
10 Open Your Eyes
11 Gimme A Kiss
12 Angels
13 Lifeless (featuring Alison Krauss)
14 Unbreakable
15 From Here To Eternity
16 Goodbye For Good This Time - Avant-garde Mix
17 Lifeless - Joe Only version